Arizona Cardinals' wide receiver Rondale Moore
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Arizona Cardinals' wide receiver Rondale Moore during the NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks
Rondale Moore, a former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver, was pronounced dead on Saturday. He was 25.
PerWLKY News Louisville, a Floyd County Coroner pronounced Moore deceased. An autopsy is scheduled, and his cause of death was just revealed by another source.
Per Ahmad Hicks ofFOX9 Minneapolis, Moore was found dead in his garage*.*
“According to the New Albany police chief, Todd Bailey. Rondale Moore (age 25) was found deceased in the garage of the property of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. An investigation is underway.”
This heartbreaking announcement led to an outpouring of messages from former coaches, teammates and others across the league.
Moore’s Career With the Arizona Cardinals
Moore was a second-round pick (49th overall) in the 2021 NFL Draft by Arizona out of Purdue.
The 5-foot-7 speedster was an All-American his freshman year, but had two injury-plagued seasons before his selection.
With Arizona, he caught 135 passes for 1201 yards and three touchdowns from 2021 to 2023, often used as a slot receiver.
The Cardinals traded Moore to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for quarterback Desmond Ridder in 2024, ending his Arizona tenure.
He would never see the field for Atlanta, suffering a season-ending knee injury before the season even started.
Then, he entered free agency, signing with the Minnesota Vikings. In his preseason debut with Minnesota, Moore suffered another season-ending knee injury.
He was going to test free agency once again when this tragic news occurred.
Reactions to Moore’s Death
Many in the NFL community, some of whom had never met Moore, shared their sympathy online.
Former Cardinals receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown was devastated by the news and shared that he had spoken with Moore shortly before his passing.
“You wasn’t alone bro,” Brown tweeted. “I told you I know how you feel.”
Hollywood Brown
You wasn’t alone bro.. I told you I know how you feel
“Bro ain’t no way brotha you just messaged me a few hours ago,” Brown tweeted.
Hollywood Brown
Bro ain’t no way brotha you just messaged me few hours ago 😢
Brown spent two seasons with Moore.
Former Arizona defensive lineman Zach Allen, who spent two years with Moore, was shocked to learn about his passing.
“Rest in Peace Rondale,” Allen tweeted. “It was an honor to be your teammate. Always check on your people. You just never know.”
Zach Allen
Rest in Peace Rondale 🕊️ It was an honor to be your teammate.
Always check on your people. You just never know
Former Purdue coach Jeff Brohm released a statement showing his gratitude and sympathy for Moore and his family.
“Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach,” Brohm said. “The ultimate competitor that wouldn’t back down from any challenge. Rondale had a work ethic unmatched by anyone. A great teammate that would come through in any situation. We all loved Rondale, we loved his smile and competitive edge that always wanted to please everyone he came in contact with. We offer all of our thoughts and prayers to Rondale and his family, we love him very much.”
Former defensive lineman JJ Watt, who spent two seasons with Moore, shared the same sentiment.
“Can’t even begin to fathom or process this,” Watt tweeted. “There’s just no way. Way too soon. Way too special. So much left to give. Rest in peace Rondale.”
JJ Watt
Can’t even begin to fathom or process this.
There’s just no way.
Way too soon. Way too special. So much left to give.
Rest in Peace Rondale.
Quarterback Russell Wilson, who never played with Moore, shared his sympathies online.
Russell Wilson
RIP Rondale Moore 🙏🏾 Heartbroken for your family, friends, & teammates 🤍🕊️
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.